11 replies to this topic

[oldschoolpresence]

Hi guys,
I have just recently over the past few weeks started to love old school minis. I think they are soo damn cool! I think the newer shapes are no where near as appealing!
Basically want to buy one but don't know anything about them apart from the fact that they were one of teh most popular cars, so there are sooooo many models about and that they rust like an old nail sitting on a sea bed lol.

I am looking to get an old school one. Would really, tremendously and greatly appreciate some answers details and brief whatever you prefer to my questions...

Which are the most desirable models sub £5k

1. Which older minis are the most expensive ? i.e in good condition, not much little/no rust?
2. Which models are not worth much at all?
3. What to look for on a desirable model... faults/common issues/thinsg that make it a lemon?

I've found that prices go from a few hundred quid to 7/8k easily?!

For example, I saw an old mayfair priced at £1k and then I saw another mayfair priced at £4k? Ofcourse condition is a major factor but what are teh key differences that make a mini valuable and one that can be had for a few hundred quid?

I don't work in a bodyshop and I'm no mechanic. I know a little about modern cars and prices etc because my brotehr was in the motor trade before recession. So I wouldn't want to be taking one on as a winter or a project that would be restored.


Many thanks in advance!

[MaxAndPaddy]

Hi and Welcome to TMF

You have alot of choices, my advice is to hit google/wiki and narrow down which models you prefer first. Do you want a mini you can modify? Would you prefer a Limited Edition? Would you like a project? What size engine?

Lots of choices!

£5k is a good budget to have and should buy you a decent little mini but I'd try and get an idea of what you want BEFORE you start shopping for one.

Check out some of the threads on here like Show 'n' Shine for ideas

Good luck!

[AVV IT]

Firstly classic mini asking prices & actual selling prices are two very different things. The problem is that people buy a classic mini and then spend thousands on it, (very often on things that don't actually increase it's value) and then put it up for sale at an unrealistic price in order to try and get their money back. So there may actually be very little difference between a £1k model and a £4k model, apart from how out of touch the seller is about a realistic asking price. Mayfairs for instance were a very common later model, so unless you find a very low mileage, museum piece example, then it's pretty unlikely that it will realistically be worth anywhere near £4k.

Early and rare models tend to hold the most value, particularly if they in a restored condition and are original spec with some mkI models fetching up to £25k . The original Cooper models (Morris/Austin) tend to be particularly valuable. Pre-1973 models tend to fetch a premium amount due to holding historic road tax exemption status. (but beware there are a lot of later models out there, that have been fraudulently assigned pre-73 identities to avoid road tax). The variants such as Vans, Pickups, Estates and Clubman models (particularly 1275 GT's) tend to hold more value than standard roundnose saloons do, as they are much fewer in number. Late Mpi models 1996-2000 are also quite desirable, so also tend to hold their value, particularly the spotspack versions. The cheapest models tend to be 80's and early 90's models, currently very few of them are selling for much over the £2.5k mark, even those in near mint condition.

In terms of what to avoid, the big problem with classic minis is always rust and unless you're handy with a welder, then it can be very expensive to repair. The costs of getting panels replaced professionally will often run into thousands, if you can't do the work yourself. Mechanical problems are much cheaper to resolve by comparison, parts are readily available, and relatively inexpensive. So a solid rust free example is the most important thing to look for when buying a classic mini.

Edited by AVV IT, 11 October 2012 - 09:13 PM.

[mk1leg]

Hi..and welcome to TMF and enjoy ...................

[oldschoolpresence]

Thanks guys...


I quite like the Mini cooper sport edition. My mate mentioned one he had seen for sale somewhere a few weeks back. Apparently its a sport, Brooklands edition. On a late 1999 or 2000 plate IIRC. Can you guys tell me a bit about these?
WHat to look out for to make sure the goodies on them are genuine and not just retrofitted. Apparently there was only a few hundred made and whats a good one worth with around 70-80k miles with little rust and v good bodywork?

Thanks

[oldschoolpresence]

Its not the works edition by the way

[oldschoolpresence]

I think it maybe just the john cooper edition with the alloy dash and red leather.

[MaxAndPaddy]

One of my favourite LE's ....I have the works model. Great investment mini if kept original as not many were made

300 were made 25 got the Works conversion. Gorgeous cars in Brooklands green with like you said the red leather interior and alloy dash. You got the 13inch sportspack alloy wheels sportspack arches, and two spots.

Price wise alot depends on condition especially the bodywork and originality, Ive seen them go for £3500k up to £7k.

Theres some pics of mine Paddy on this thread
http://www.theminifo...hl__maxandpaddy

[AVV IT]

If you're contemplating buying one of the very late models (1996-2000), then be aware that these are particularly pprone to corrosion. It's widely accepted that there was some substantial cost cutting at the factory during the final years of production, particularly in terms of paint coverage and rustproofing. I've looked over a few models of this age with a view to buying, and the level of rot can be significantly worse than cars that have seen a good ten or so years more life.

[oldschoolpresence]

So the ones to have are either the early ones or the late ones in good condition.
How much would a sport be? on a 1999-2000 plate. Non works model as I think they are going for rediculous prices..

[CCX]

I would say that with a budget of £5000 you should look at MPis (Sportspacks especially). They haven't increased in value as much as the early mark 1s yet, but in the future they will be worth a lot more. (Good investment potential). LE versions of the Sportspacks can already reach big money though, but for a usable one in excellent condition £5000 is a great starting point. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your Mini! (trust me, that won't be difficult.)

Edited by CCX, 12 October 2012 - 08:44 PM.

[Ethel]

Are the latest Minis really any worse for rust? The rusty examples of earlier models will already have gone to the celestial carpark. As there's no new Minis in the pipeline any that survive are likely to hang around for longer, in any condition, and hopefully be restored.